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New thermal insulation materials used on Chang'e-6 probe, resisting extreme temperature fluctuations

China

China

China

New thermal insulation materials used on Chang'e-6 probe, resisting extreme temperature fluctuations

2024-06-26 21:45 Last Updated At:23:17

New multi-layer thermal insulation materials developed by Chinese scientists were used on engines of the Chang'e-6 probe's lander and ascender, enabling them to withstand extreme high temperatures in harsh environments and effectively resist temperature rises in excess of thousands of degrees Celsius. The newly developed materials were applied to the engine of the lander of the Chang'e-6 probe. During the landing process, temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius were generated. The materials act as a thermal insulation layer, similar to putting a fluffy skirt on the engine.

When the surface temperature surpasses 1,000 degrees Celsius, the internal temperature rapidly decreases to below 100 degrees Celsius, thanks to the exceptional insulation and protective capabilities of the thermal insulation layer.

This "skirt" has a thickness of merely one centimeter and consists of over 20 layers of special materials. When the engine is equipped with it, a thermal barrier is formed between the engine and the surrounding electronic components.

"By layering multiple materials, it could protect the storage tank and electronic components surrounding the entire engine, ensuring that they operate at the appropriate temperature. The engine operating conditions of the ascender are more severe as it is deeply embedded within the ascender's compartment, thereby necessitating higher requirements for thermal insulation. Moreover, the engine is located in close proximity to the thermal shield, resulting in higher temperatures," said Yu Yang, senior engineer, the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics (SIC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

"We have developed a new type of multi-layer thermal insulation material that is different from the materials making the lander, with improved temperature resistance and superior insulation performance, [which is designed to] protect the electronic components and ensure that the electronic components remain within a normal temperature range throughout the entire ascent process," said the senior engineer.

The returner of the Chang'e-6 probe touched down on the Earth on Tuesday, bringing back the world's first lunar rock and soil samples collected from the moon's far side, and marking another remarkable achievement in China's space exploration endeavors.

New thermal insulation materials used on Chang'e-6 probe, resisting extreme temperature fluctuations

New thermal insulation materials used on Chang'e-6 probe, resisting extreme temperature fluctuations

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China's Shenzhou-19 crew sends New Year greetings from space

2025-01-01 10:28 Last Updated At:12:07

The Shenzhou-19 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station on Tuesday sent their New Year greetings, wishing for more remarkable achievements for the country's manned space program in the year of 2025.

On Tuesday, the last day of 2024, Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze remained busy and completed the retrieval of extravehicular experiment payloads.

In addition to their busy work, the three astronauts also sent their New Year greetings from the space station.

"Hello everyone, I am astronaut Cai Xuzhe. Today is the last day of 2024, and I hope that all of you can join me, full of energy, forge ahead courageously, and running into the year of 2025. Let's go," Cai said.

"I am astronaut Song Lingdong. Recently, we have been conducting experiments on musculoskeletal loading using the equipment cabinet in human systems research. We are also using advanced equipment such as ultrasound equipment and instrument for counteracting bone loss to carry out in-orbit weightlessness protection. As the new year is just around the corner, I wish for our space laboratory to achieve fruitful results and for everyone to have a bumper harvest and an endless good fortune," Song said.

"I am astronaut Wang Haoze, and I will introduce our new friend Xiaohang to everyone. Xiaohang, up a little, Xiaohang, down a little, Xiaohang, take a photo. In the future, Xiaohang will be upgraded to perform tasks such as cabin inspection, inventory management, product status checks, and question answering, becoming our smart assistant. Finally, together with Xiaohang, I wish everyone a happy New Year," Wang said.

As the new year arrives, the astronauts have also captured the first light of dawn in 2025 in the space station.

The Shenzhou-19 crew has been in orbit for two months. In 2025, the crew will continue to routinely conduct space science and application experiments and tests, as well as extravehicular activities.

"Let us look forward to more remarkable achievements in China's manned space program in 2025. May you all come true in the New Year, fireworks to the stars," said the three astronauts.

"Daring to lead at the forefront of the tide and striving with oars raised to sail towards excellence, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center wishes all the people across the country a Happy New Year," said the staff of the center.

China's Shenzhou-19 crew sends New Year greetings from space

China's Shenzhou-19 crew sends New Year greetings from space

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